Microsoft Cortana

Microsoft Cortana. It is a digital assistant developed by Microsoft, first introduced as a key feature of Windows Phone 8.1. Named after the artificial intelligence character from the *Halo* video game series, the service was designed to compete with other assistants like Apple's Siri and the Google Assistant. Its functionality spanned voice commands, task management, information retrieval, and smart home control, evolving through various iterations before its phased discontinuation.

Overview

Conceived as a core component of Microsoft's strategy for Windows 10 and its ecosystem, it leveraged technologies from the company's research divisions, including Microsoft Research. The assistant utilized the Bing search engine for answering queries and integrated with numerous Microsoft 365 productivity services such as Outlook and Microsoft Teams. Its persona was characterized by a conversational interface and a degree of contextual awareness, aiming to provide proactive assistance. The project represented a significant investment by Microsoft in ambient computing and cloud-based artificial intelligence.

Development and release

Development began under the internal codename "Project Cortana," led by executives like Joe Belfiore. It was officially unveiled at Build 2014, with its first public release on Windows Phone 8.1 devices in April 2014 for users in the United States. The rollout expanded to other markets, including the United Kingdom and China, later that year. A major expansion occurred with the launch of Windows 10 in July 2015, where it was integrated directly into the taskbar and Microsoft Edge. Subsequent releases brought it to platforms like Xbox One, iOS via the App Store, and Android via Google Play.

Features and capabilities

Core capabilities included voice-activated web searches via Bing, setting reminders and alarms, managing calendars in Outlook, and sending emails. It could control music playback through services like Spotify and Groove Music. A notable feature was the "Notebook," a cloud-based repository for user preferences and learned information. Later updates added support for smart home devices compatible with the Works with Nest and other IoT platforms. It also provided integration with third-party services through Cortana Skills, similar to Amazon Alexa's skills, and could perform actions in apps like LinkedIn and Skype.

Integration and platforms

Beyond its native integration in Windows 10 and Windows 11, it was featured in Microsoft's Surface hardware line and the Harman Kardon Invoke smart speaker. On Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles, it enabled voice-controlled media playback and system navigation. For enterprise environments, it was embedded within Microsoft 365 applications, allowing voice commands in Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams to schedule meetings. Its mobile apps on iOS and Android provided cross-platform continuity for reminders and lists, syncing data via the Microsoft account cloud service.

Discontinuation and legacy

In a strategic shift announced in July 2020, Microsoft began phasing out the consumer-facing aspects, citing strong competition from Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Support for the iOS and Android apps ended in early 2021. The standalone app was removed from Windows 11, and its functionality within Windows 10 was significantly reduced and deprecated. As of 2023, its remaining capabilities are focused on Microsoft 365 productivity voice assistance. The technology and research developed for it contributed to other Microsoft AI projects, such as the Microsoft Copilot suite of intelligent tools integrated into Windows and Office 365.

Category:Microsoft software Category:Intelligent personal assistants Category:Discontinued Microsoft software Category:Cloud computing Category:Windows components